Orelan watches Triska's strike approvingly, then bends to scoope up Orzo the Rat. His mouth shapes arcane syllables and with a crackle of blue light all of his familiar's fur stands sharply on end.

Orzo scampers forwards past Triska and Larkspring and attacks the ankles of the first enemy he finds.

Orelan casts Shocking Grasp, using familiar to deliver touch attack. Damage is Shocking Grasp: (5d6=18). Orzo moves forward to attack whichever creature is closest to the doorway - attack roll is Touch attack: (1d20+7=19). The rest of Orzo's stats are on Orelan's character sheet.

With a grin, "Come on Sabriel - no time for cosmetics and hair-brushes!"

With a grin, "Come on Sabriel - no time for cosmetics and hair-brushes!"

"There's always time for cosmetics and hair brushes love," she quips back with a smile.

Finally getting a handle on what's going on Sabriel moves into a position that allows her to let fly with an Blast of Arcane Power at the nearest creature.

Eldritch Blast. (2d6=8)

The storm is raging and tossing the boat around making footing unsteady for everyone. Triska slashes out with her scimitar striking a huge blow to the creature who screams in anger but shakes off the blow and makes an attack of his own, claws come ripping in again hitting her across the chest and arm.(8 pts dam.) You hear another scream from out side of the cabin and a splash. The creature fighting Triska all of a sudden shakes uncontrolably and steam starts to form around his body. A little rat can be seen scampering away from the creature as it continues to shake. Fur wakes up finally at all the commotion and shakes his head to get rid of the fog in it. Larkspring touches Triska giving her added protection from the creatures claws. A wolf cry and growl can be heard outside as it snatches onto the arm of something as it screams in anger. Sabriel half clothed steps into the fray sending a blast of arcane energy into the creature killing it instantly.

next round

Triska yells as the creature slices into her chest, then kicks its dead body to the floor after Sabriel's killing blast. She draws her klar and steps grimly forward to the door, looking for more of the creatures, slashing with her scimitar at the next one in line.

Draw klar as part of move action; AC now 21 (+1 klar, +2 barkskin); move to door (outside if possible)
Attack (1d20+7=18); Damage (1d6+2=5)

Larkspring moves his hands in yet more strange gestures, uttering arcane words of healing. He grabs Triska's arm yet again, and she feels healed.
Cure light wounds, 1st-level, 1d8+4=8.
Finally waking up, Fir lumbers to his feet (he's still surprised and gets no more than a move action to get up from prone).
The wolf attacks the nearest of the creatures on Larkspring's initiative.
Bite, 1d20+3=17, 1d6+1=7. It has two more rounds of Larkspring's initiative left before it disappears.

Sorry guys, I am really sick atm. Please DMNPC me for at least the next day or so.

Orelan realises he can't see past Triska to the enemies outside the door.

"Triska, are there many of these things? Let us know if you need our help, otherwise the rest of us can just get some sleep..."

Good question. Zoom, how many more of the beasties are outside the door?

Stepping to the doorway Triska see another creature fighting a wolf, its a little bit hard to see with the amount of water falling everywhere. She does't hesitate and attacks the beast hitting it in the head as it hits the wolf across its jaw sending it into the cargo at the back of the boat. (Wolf takes 6 hp) Triska's got the attention of the creature now as it tries to take a bite out of her but misses as it slips on the wet surface. The rest of the group can't see whats going on from inside as Triska was blocking the doorway........

Next Round! There is now enough room to get by Triska if you wish to venture outside!!!

The wolf comes forward again, intent on killing the creature that just attacked it. Larkspring attacks the nearest creature with his scimitar. Fir finally lumbers up and joins the (presumably) water-dwelling creatures in combat.
Wolf: 5 hp left, will disappear after his actions next round. Bite: 1d20+3=14, 1d6+1=6, standard action. Moves to closest monster, move action.
Larkspring: Masterwork scimitar: 1d20+5=9, 1d4=1, standard action. Move to closest creature, move action.
Fir: Stand up from prone, move action. Attack nearest creature (if within reach), Bite: 1d20+6=23, 1d4+4=6, standard action; or move to closest creature, move action.

Sabriel grabs her Rod from under her pillow, looks at the rain pouring down outside and sighs heavily, before rushing outside. Once outside she immediately turns right to climb the ladder to the Topdeck. She turns to surveys the battle and see if there are any more of the creatures onboard, trying to relay their positions to her friends.

I am better now. Swamped with work, but back into the swing of things. =)

Triska blocks the creature's last attack with her klar and steps forward to slice again with her scimitar. Unprepared for the slick surface of the deck on the pitching water, she slips as well, and her swing goes wide.

"Yes!" Triska calls to Orelan. "Your help is needed! There may be more of them hiding in this gods-cursed rain!"

Attack (1d20+7=10); Damage (1d6+2=5)

"Yes!" Triska calls to Orelan. "Your help is needed! There may be more of them hiding in this gods-cursed rain!"

Orelan steps out into the downpour and extends the point of hi rapier over Triska's shoulder, aiming for the creature's throat.

Attack rapier 1: (1d20+7=24, 1d6+2=8)

"What are these things anyway?" does anyone have Kn(Nature)?

The slick deck is making it hard for the group to make attacks as Triska's scimitar goes wide of the mark. The creature does not have those problems thou as it is used to wet surfaces it launches another claw at Triska raking her across the chest and biting the wolf who is trying to do the same but the creature wins the biting contest and kills the wolf. (Triska 5 dam. - wolf 5 dam) As the creature is busy dealing blows to his friends, Orelan steps up with his rapier and puts a hole in it, it howls in anger and then again as a huge bears rumbles out of the cabin and takes a bite out of the creatures stone flesh. Off to the side a little creature attacks the monster but misses the thing as he slips on the deck like some of the others having problems. Sabriel shouts out over the thunderous rain pelting down and the wind whipping by but her words are lost to the rest of the group...

Sabriel

Larkspring feels a vacuum in his mind from the wolf's death, then moves his hands in more confusing gestures and speaks words that quickly disappear from the minds of his fellows. With a touch, he gives Triska a temporary high that makes her able to continue fighting even when wounded. Fir attacks the stone-fleshed creature that he hit before again with his bite and razor claws.
Larkspring: Knowledge (nature): 1d20+10=11; bear's endurance, grants +4 temporary bonus to Constitution for 4 minutes, touch, verbal, somatic, divine focus, standard action.
Fir: Claw, claw, bite: 1d20+6=19, 1d4+4=5; 1d20+6=26 (natural 20, confirm critical: (url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1741466/) 1d20+6=23, 1d4+4=8), 1d4+4=8 (16 damage total); 1d20+1=17, 1d6+2=5; full-round action.

Triska will try to identify the creatures as well. Knowledge (nature) (1d20+2=15)

Triska regains her footing and strikes at the beast again. "Away with you, beast! Back to the deeps that spawned you!"
Attack (1d20+7=10); Damage (1d6+2=5)
"This is why I use a bow!" Triska mutters as her swing once again fails to connect.

Triska digs through her memories and thinks these monsters are call Kapoacinth, aquatic relatives to Gargoyle's but is not one hundred percent sure having never seen one in person.......until now!

Seeing no other creatures about and giving up on trying to warn the others, she points her hand in the direction of the creature and lets loose another blast of Eldritch Force, which slams into the deck between Triska and the Creature, narrowly missing Orzo.

Eldritch Blast; Ranged Touch Attack. (1d20+2+1=6)

(Assuming he has now noticed it) Larkspring runs forward with his scimitar and attacks the creature (otherwise he says "Sabriel, why did you try to hit Orzo?!?"). Please note he doesn't have his shield drawn and is only wearing his armor (so AC 17). His barkskin lasts for 39 minutes and 30 seconds longer. The bear's endurance lasts for 3 minutes and 54 seconds more.
Larkspring: Charge forward, full-round action, maximum 30 feet, reduces AC to 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13, and grants a +2 attack bonus: Masterwork scimitar 1d20+7=13, 1d4=3.
Fir attacks the nearest creature he can see.
Fir: Either full attack or move and attack. Full attack: Claw, claw, bite: 1d20+6=13, 1d4+4=6; 1d20+6=13, 1d4+4=5; 1d20+1=19, 1d6+2=8. Move and attack: Move to closest creature, 40 feet maximum, move action; Attack: Claw: 1d20+6=13, 1d4+4=6, standard action.

Triska slices at the creature just missing as she slides on the wet deck of the boat as it starts to bob up and down, the current becoming a little rougher as the down pour continues. It rakes its claws at Triska but she is out of reach of it. Orelan stands ready but delays his action as the bear rears up and swings its might paws at the creature, both swings miss which makes it even madder and he tries to take a bite out of it, grabbing it by the arm, Fur does damage to it but it breaks free of Fur's bite. As the boat rocks to one side so does Larkspring's attack missing his target just as an arcane blast rips into the boat leaving a black mark and a medium size hole in the deck....

I delayed Orelan's action so we can keep moving. Next round!

Seeing no other creatures about and giving up on trying to warn the others, she points her hand in the direction of the creature and lets loose another blast of Eldritch Force, which slams into the deck between Triska and the Creature, narrowly missing Orzo.

Full attack, rapier 1: (1d20+7=21, 1d6+2=6)

The creature screams out in rage as the tip of Orelan's rapier enters its body drawing some kind of life liquid from it. It stagers back a step but screams again in anger and gets ready to make another attack....

Larkspring moves his left hand again, speaking more arcane words that take more time than his other spells have. A faint glimmer, as that of a break in the Material Plane, begins to open. He says, "I think it will be useful to have a creature that can also take to the air" with a bemused smile.
Fir attacks the monster again with his curved claws and powerful bite.
Larkspring (Bear's endurance lasts for 3 minutes and 48 seconds longer, barkskin lasts for 39 minutes and 24 more seconds): Spontaneously casts summon nature's ally II, replacing heat metal, summons a hippogriff, lasts 4 rounds, hippogriff has 3d10+9=35 hp, full-round action. It is summoned in a position so that Fir can flank the monster with it (assuming it's not backed up against a wall, or moves, in which case Larkspring can still change the location of where it is summoned). The hippogriff will appear on Larkspring's next turn.
Fir (as in the tree, not the hair on an animal's back): Full Attack action, claw, claw, bite: 1d20+6=23, 1d4+4=6; 1d20+6=19, 1d4+4=7; 1d20+1=16, 1d6+2=6, full-round action.

After her last attempt, Sabriel deems the visibility and proximity of her friends to make the shot too difficult. She instaed turns and heads into the Pilothouse to warn Captain Esteban and Faruq about what is occurring down on the deck.

Fir (as in the tree, not the hair on an animal's back) Sorry about that, it was a bit late and sleepy when I posted!

"Kapoacinth!" Triska calls out to Orelan, identifying the monsters for him. "Water gargoyles. Why they attack us I have no idea, though!"

Annoyed now, Triska renews her attacks on the creature, slashing with her scimitar and parrying its attacks with her klar.
Attack (1d20+7=14); Damage (1d6+2=3)

Triska matches the creature's scream with her own scream of rage. "WHY...WON'T...YOU...DIE!!"

The rain pelts down non stop onto the combatants causing all kinds of problems. Slashing again at the monster, Triska misses, her fustration is apparent as she scream at the thing even louder than it. The creature shouts out at something but hears no reply so it moves to get out of this mess being surrounded by all of you heading for the side of the boat and freedom. roll for attack of opportunities! As it moves away Fir follow it and attacks with his giant paws, clawing the creature across the back with both. His bite however misses as the creature is on the move. Sabriel bangs on the pilot houses door trying to get the attention of the captain and first mate. The first mate opens the door, his face a look of anger, what do you want? You should be in the cabin where its safe little lady! he says with a snarl.......

Orelan's turn plus the attack of opp. you get! Then we will move to the next round unless you kill this thing!

As the creature turns to leave, Triska once more slashes across its back. "Come back here!" she yells.

Attack of opportunity (1d20+7=20); Damage (1d6+2=7)

Finally!

Larkspring and his companion attack the monster in unison.
Larkspring's attack of opportunity: Masterwork scimitar 1d20+5=25 (woot!), 1d4=4. Confirm critical: 1d20+5=20, 1d4=1 (if critical confirmed then 5 slashing damage total).
Fir's attack of opportunity: Claw 1d20+6=18, 1d4+4=8.

As the creature turns to leave, Triska once more slashes across its back. "Come back here!" she yells.

Finally!

AOO Rapier 1: (1d20+7=12, 1d6+2=5)

As the beast is trying to make to the water Triska strikes out and damages the thing with her sword. Other attacks follow in behind her's with both Larkspring and Fir's giving out more damage to the creature who is screaming at them or maybe crying its hard to tell. Orelan's rapier thrusts in but he slips on the deck and misses the mark. The rain seems to being slowing from a downpour to a drizzle making it a little easier to see and hear what's going on around you........

Next round!

Larkspring completes the spell and a flying beast, half-horse, half-eagle, shimmers into being right in front of the creature. It strikes out at it with its vicious raptor's claws and beak. Fir follows after the creature, attacking from behind so both he and the hippogriff have a better chance of hitting. Larkspring, whose spells are nearly exhausted, remains where he stood and lets his minions finish off the creature.
Larkspring (bear's endurance lasts for 3 minutes and 42 seconds longer, barkskin lasts for 39 minutes and 18 more seconds, hippogriff lasts for 3 more rounds of Larkspring's turn): No action, seeing as the fight has been pretty much wrapped up.
Fir: Follow the creature, move action; attack with claw, standard action: Claw 1d20+8(+2 for flanking factored in)=19, 1d4+4=8.
Hippogriff (lasts 3 more rounds, acts on Larkspring's turn): Full attack (assuming the monster doesn't try to bull rush) action, full-round action: Claw, claw, bite: 1d20+8(+2 for flank factored into all attacks)=10, 1d4+4=8; 1d20+8=22, 1d4+4=6; 1d20+3=17, 1d8+2=10.

"Larkspring, I'm having trouble knowing which monster is friend and which is foe!" Triska call out, half-joking, as she tries to cut down the kapoacinth once and for all.

Attack (1d20+7=24); Damage (1d6+2=6)

"Quickly man, there are creatures attacking the boat. We are battling them at the moment, but before we were attacked in the sleeping quarters we heard a splash and think that at least one of the crew may be overboard."
That said, she dashes back over to the railing to survey the battlefield that used to be the deck.

"Quickly man, there are creatures attacking the boat. We are battling them at the moment, but before we were attacked in the sleeping quarters we heard a splash and think that at least one of the crew may be overboard."
That said, she dashes back over to the railing to survey the battlefield that used to be the deck.

Orelan looks around; does anything seem to pose more of a threat right now?

The monster screams at the bear and Triska at the same time showing its dipleasure at an easy meal going away as Triska's steel strikes true and slices open the creature almost causing a fatal blow but it just stands there dumb founded looking at its the wound. Fir not caring about whats wrong with the creature only that its still standing throws its might paw at the thing hitting it and ripping open another large wound. The creature turns to jump in the water but finds itself facing a large beast who just appeared out of no where, hovering off to the side of boat. It has the torso and hindquarters of a horse and the forelegs, wings and head of a giant eagle. It immediatly attacks the creature, slashing it with one of its claws killing the thing and sending it to the depths of the river. The Captain and first mate join Sabriel at the rail just in time to see the creature hit the water. Orelan looking for more opponents finds none but the pelting rain.......Good work, you are worth every gold piece the consortium has given you. Keep this up and I will put in a good word for a bonus... The captain and the first mate retreat back into the pilot house to get out of the storm.....

Smiling at the mention of a bonus (and at the conclusion of the battle), Sabriel heads back down to the main deck, where she heads over to inspect the dead creature laying near the cabin.
"Ugh, what manner of foul creature is this," she says, using her Rod to poke around the remains. "It's skin is like rock. It almost looks like some kind of Gargoyle, but look at the gills here. Whatever it is, I am glad it is dead. And it's companion too."
Getting up and looking around the deck, she asks, ""so has anyone seen any of the crew?"

"I think we have probably already lost those who are not here now. I'll send a porpoise to scout, though, and see if any are alive." Larkspring moves his hands and mouth again, in a pattern that is quickly becoming recognizable to his companions. Fir comes back to his master's side and sits on his haunches. The hippogriff flies above the water a while, searching for any survivors, then vanishes after about 12 seconds. A porpoise appears 3 feet above the water behind the stern. It quickly dives into the water, looking for any of the lost crew members.
Larkspring spontaneously casts summon nature's ally i, replacing his spell longstrider. The porpoise lasts for 24 seconds, or four rounds. It has a Spot check of 1d20+7=25, and a Listen check of 1d20+8=12, and a Swim check of 1d20+8=26, although it can always take ten even when rushed or threatened. If it doesn't immediately see anything, then I can roll for more Spot and Listen checks.
The hippogriff flies overhead, also looking for any men above water. It has a fly speed of 100 feet and a Spot check of 1d20+8=20 and a Listen check of 1d20+4=11. The hippogriff lasts only 2 rounds longer. Larkspring really needs to recharge spells, so Zoom, if you're going to skip ahead then please let me have a chance to prepare spells come sunrise tomorrow {Triska needs to get some real armor ;)}.

"The captain does not seem worried about the crew," Triska says. "I am wet, and bleeding. If any went overboard, it's not my problem. Larkspring's beasts can search for them." Now that the battle is over, Triska is grumpy. She stumps back inside to clean her weapons and gear and bind her wounds.

She has real armor! What she needs is a real melee weapon... :)

Sabriel pops her head through the door of the cabin and says to Triska, "Triska dear, I hate to be a pain but we could really use your help throwing this thing over the side. I am as keen to return to bed as you are", she indicates her sodden night gown, which is clinging to her body. "Just a few minutes is all it will take and then I will be in as well."
A sudden thought strikes her and a panicked look appears on her face. "Oh dear, I hope this doesn't mean that I will be forced to do menial labour now that the boat is down three crew."

Grumbling, Triska gets up and goes back outside to help dispose of the bodies. "Couldn't Larkspring have summoned something to do this?" she asks crossly.

With the battle over everyone takes a deep breath and begins to relax. The rain continues to come down hard and the wind gusts make it hard to get around. The creatures body slides into the river with a big splash getting both girls even wetter if that is possible. A porpoise appears off the back of the boat and dives into the water looking for survivors, it only finds two bodies floating down stream confirmed by the hippogriff. A few minutes later of searching the porpoise finds the third body stuck in a downed tree branch farther down river.

With the mystery solved the group heads back into the cabin to rest for the night and dry off. Morning comes and you can tell its going to be a hot one. The rain has stopped and the sun is out shining...................

With the mystery solved the group heads back into the cabin to rest for the night and dry off. Morning comes and you can tell its going to be a hot one. The rain has stopped and the sun is out shining...................

"This may be our last chance to rest up, friends. Let's make the most of it."

The hot morning brings Sabriel slowly awake. She remains drowsy until she has had some food. Once fed, she changes into the shorter of her dresses, one which barely comes down to mid thigh and puts on her sandals and Bracers. Keeping her Rod and Rapier close by, she heads up top to recline on the deck, basking in the morning sun and keeping a watch on both sides of the river banks.

Ahhh,a spot of High Fantasy Sun Baking... what better way to pass the trip. =)

Larkspring has been up already for the past few hours, because he did not want to miss his spell preparation time again. While Fir sleeps below (he seems to always be sleeping during this voyage), Larkspring sits out on the masthead, listening to the waterbirds and those birds in the forest.
Prepared spells:

A few minutes later of searching the porpoise finds the third body stuck in a downed tree branch farther down river.

Triska comes out on deck, limping slightly from the wounds she suffered during the previous night's battle. She scowls at Sabriel and Orelan taking their ease in the sun, and heads to the rail. Raising her hand to shield her eyes from the sun's glare, she scans the river and the towering jungle walls on either side for signs of danger. Satisfied for the moment, Triska sit down with a small grunt and leans against the wall. She takes out her bow and arrows, carefully oiling the wood, restringing it with a dry bowstring, and checking the points and fletchings of her arrows.

The morning goes by peacfully. Its getting hotter and hotter as the day goes on. Everyone is getting their much needed rest after a difficult battle in the pelting rain storm last night. The Captain says you are making good time and spends most of the day in the shade of the pilot house. Triska takes the down time to take care of her prized bow and get it back into shape. Orelan leans over to Sabriel and points in the First Mate's direction. The scantly clad Sabriel catches the First Mate sneaking looks at her from different angles of the boat, pretending to be doing duties the now lost crew would normally do. He seems to disappear for awhile below deck to be seen refreshed and full of vigor some time later....Larkspring spots something in the water ahead and shouts out to everyone to take a look. While chugging along the red-tinted river the boat Larkpring points to the overgrown south bank. Resting half submerged in that shore is another wheelboat, possibly the twin of your own. The center of the wrecked boat's hull gapes with a huge hole and the entire superstructure is missing, where some massive explosion ripped through the vessel.Faintly visible on its moss-slick bow are the words Lady Fortune.

Anyone wearing armour or heavy clothing must make a Fort save(-4 to your roll) against the heat effects or take non-lethal damage. If you have survival skill you may make a check to give you a +4 to your fort save roll. Aiding others also helps, I think it only adds a +2 though.

Sabriel heads down to where Larkspring is shouting and gives a whistle as she sees the wreck. She heads up to the Pilot House to make sure that the Captain is aware of the other boat, in case he wishes to stop for a look and then heads off to make sure Faruq knows of it also. She teases him as she walks off to lead him to Larkspring, by putting a little extra swing into her hips.
Once everyone knows of the Lady Fortune, she waits to see what Captain Esteban's orders are.

Triska sits and sweats for a few minutes before finally stripping off her sweaty armor. "How does anyone survive in such a land?" she asks no one in particular. "I feel like I'm in the Cinderlands in the middle of an emberstorm!"

Triska sits and sweats for a few minutes before finally stripping off her sweaty armor. "How does anyone survive in such a land?" she asks no one in particular. "I feel like I'm in the Cinderlands in the middle of an emberstorm!"

Orelan follows Triska's example and stashes his breastplate downstairs, under his bunk. He emerges from the cabin with a flask of water which, with an arcane gesture and muttered incantation, begins to frost over.

"Cold drink, anyone?"

Cast Prestidigitation.